What is a school council and how does it work at Beechwood Primary?

A school council is a representative group of pupils who have been elected by their peers to represent their views and opinions. They have opportunities to raise these issues with the Senior Managers and Governors of their school.

Being a part of school council means they can create and take forward new ideas and initiatives on behalf of their peers, be involved in the strategic planning and processes such as the School Development Plan, governing body and staff appointments.

At Beechwood Primary we run a School Council because:

• Children feel empowered by their education
• Feel the school respond to their needs and views
• Have planned opportunities to communicate with adults about their ideas and opinions
• Playing an active role in improving their school
• Develop confidence and life skills through their participation.

The school council at Beechwood Primary is run in a democratic fashion. Teachers in our school explained the process of fairly voting in one member from each class. The criteria for being in school council are: caring about our school and its community, making it a better place to learn and have fun in, discussing and debating new ideas and listening to each other. The children chosen for school council where voted in by their peers and the voting was anonymous just like it would be in government. All our school council members wear badges and we have monthly meetings to discuss our ideas and implement our plans.